April 25, 2007 
 Soul Food Newsletter
 Women Nurturing Women
In This Issue
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As I write this, I am watching the sun set and enjoying the approaching dusk. I have gotten so spoiled living in Colorado, with all the sunshine. I do enjoy the rain like we had yesterday and I miss the big Midwest thunderstorms. Did you know that, had it been 10 degrees cooler yesterday, we would have had over 20 inches of snow? Little things make such a difference.

Last week, I was very disturbed by the shootings at Virginia Tech. I was a "first responder" a Columbine High School because I was working for Jefferson Center for Mental Health. I hope you do not take that as a boast. Responding to Columbine was one of the most difficult and traumatic things I have ever experienced. However, what I learned about my abilities to deal with crisis as well as the experience I gained from it, has changed me forever.

Many people have been asking "why". I have been asking "what". What would have made a difference? Should Cho have been committed or force into mental health treatment? It's not that easy to commit someone for psychiatric reasons. And as a society, we cherish individual freedom even to the detriment of the many. Would restricting the access to weapons have made a difference? That is a whole debate that is so emotional it appears there is no middle ground. Maybe, if Cho had not be able to get weapons so easily the tragedy at Virginia Tech may have been avoided.

A few things have become clear. Cho was badly bullied and suffered from depression, a treatable disease. So I come back to the "what" question. And this is the answer I come up with. Don't be a bystander if you see someone, child or adult, being bullied. No matter how subtle, no matter who the bully is, no matter if the person who is being bullied is a child or adult, they deserve respect and consideration.

As Americans, we are still afraid of mental illness, seeing it as a weakness. More and more, we understand that depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, any mental illness is biologically based. It's not anybody fault. So if you or anyone you know has a problem with depression or anxiety, any mental illness, encourage them to get help.

I wish with all my heart that Virginia Tech is the last shooting at a school. I fear it is not. But until such incidents become a part of the past, YOU be the little thing that makes a difference.

 Summary of "The Four Elements" with Debra Silverman
 Understanding Personality

At our last Soul Food luncheon, Debra talked about the Four Elements and Intuition. Presenting with her was her friend, Alandra, who sang a beautiful Hawaiian chant. Debra explained to us that in order to access your intuition you must suspend logic and trust in your instinct. The more comfortable you are with yourself the more intuitive you become. So it's important to understand your element.

People who have the "Water" element have a strong intuition. They are emotional, sensual and creative. They can also get caught up in negative thought patterns and can become depressed and moody. People drain water personalities, so being alone is critical. The gift of water is silence.

The "Air" personality is an experience. They love to talk, think and entertain. They are always asking questions and think out of the box. They are great communicator, but also need to be heard. Their gift is that they are rebels and break the rules. Where would we be without them? Somebody remind me of that as my "Air" daughter goes to middle school!

The gift of the "Earth" personality is loyalty and stability. They love detail and are practical and disciplined. But they are brought down by a list of "shoulds" and can have problems with compulsive behavior. Security is the word for the "Earth" personality.

"Fire" is the hardest element. A "Fire" personality is full of passion with no inhibitions or off buttons. They are the extreme "be more-have more" person. And, the anger they have at times can be hurtful and abusive.

If you would like more information about The Four Elements, contact Debra at dsilver56@aol.com.

 



 May 3 - "What Kids REALLY Want to Ask" with Margaret Pevec.
 Keep Communicating

What question do you think your 10-14 year old would ask you if you promised her an honest answer no matter what? Margaret co-authored What Kids Really Want to Ask, Using Movies to Start Meaningful Conversations, a guidebook for parents to help them use movies to start meaningful conversations based on the real questions pre-teens want to ask. Her talk will provide concrete ideas for maintaining communication during your child's transition from grade school to high school.

Margaret Pevec, MA, is a Family Life Educator and Life Coach working with parents of teenagers to help smooth out the rough spots, discover common values and find the fulfillment that comes from deep connection with your children.

 


 May 17 - "Awakening Compassionate Awareness Through the Practice of Projective Dreamwork" with Billie Ortiz
 Sweet Dreams

Every night our dreams come to guide us toward our highest potential. So often, though, we forget our dreams or don't see the point in recording them. Join certified dreamworker, Billie Ortiz, and learn the basics of group projective dreamwork, discuss common dream symbols and hints on how to remember your dreams. Learn how recognizing that "all dreams come in the service of health and wholeness" and agreeing to phrase our comments as "If this were my dream," encourages deeper insight into the dream material and allows for all participants to enter the dream as though it were their dream as well. Once the dream becomes "everybody's dream" we begin to realize how we all share a universal bond in our collective unconscious through the language of metaphor and symbols and enter into a state of compassionate awareness of our common shared humanity. Bring your dream journal, dream art or just your curiosity and learn about the endlessly fascinating and infinitely rewarding world of dreams!

Billie Ortiz is a certified dreamworker who, since 1997, has helped scores of dreamers on the path to self-discovery through a better understanding of their dreams. She offers private sessions, groups, workshops and bi-annual weekend retreats featuring dream book author Jeremy Taylor.

 


 May 31 - "The Promise of the Future" with Gina Blinkenstaff
 Moving Ahead

Ageless Wisdom Teachings state that an incredibly long, dark and dreary cosmic cycle is now ending. They promise that the coming cycle will bring about the most positive and profound changes ever. This talk is designed to shed light on some of the information about, and signs of, these events and changes, including:
  1. Miraculous happenings from media sources.
  2. Mysterious and beautiful light patterns on buildings.
  3. Crosses of Light which are appearing on windows.
  4. Unusual light manifestations on personal photographs.
  5. Crop circle reports and UFO activity.
  6. The emergence of a World Teacher, awaited by all.
Join us for this captivating talk which will include many thought-provoking slides.

Gina Blinkenstaff attended Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. Her professional career has spanned 27 years and has included illustration, graphic design, mural painting, teaching and fine art.

 


 Who Is She?
 Find Out About Me

Are you wondering who I am? Check out my website at www.suemccullough.com. You will find a Soul Food menu, information about my transition seminars and my coaching and therapy services. My education and experience are listed on the bio page. Check it out.

 


    Join us for these warm and engaging gatherings.
  • Sunflower Restuarant, 1701 Pearl Street at 17th and Pearl in Boulder
  • 11:45 am to 1:15 pm
  • Cost is $25.00 including lunch
Please RSVP by 5:00 pm the preceding Wednesday by e-mail or at 720.849.2892. As always your promptness is appreciated, or come early to meet new women and network.

Grace and Peace,


Sue McCullough
Soul Food

phone: 720-849-2892
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